Sunday, February 18, 2018

Running Love

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Sunday night I returned home from my weekend whirlwind to Birmingham and the Mercedes Half Marathon. It was back to the cold and back to reality.

Fortunately, it wasn't cold for long. The temperatures warmed up and melted quite a bit of our snow cover. The onslaught of sick children with the flu continued at my clinic. When will it end? Fortunately, I was still feeling the love from my weekend away.

Let's recap the week!



Yoga
When I woke up on Monday, I was exhausted. I was also a little sore from my race. Fortunately, I didn't have a run planned until Wednesday. I rolled out the yoga mat. I searched the video library of Five Parks Yoga and found a 60 minute deep stretch video that hit all the high points. All better! Well, almost.

This week's INKnBURN yoga pose was skandasana. I cannot get very low, thank you very much tight hips.
Running
On Wednesday, the sun was out and the sky was blue. It was also somewhat warmer, about 37 degrees and my run felt fantastic. I did 6 miles around the neighborhood. Thursday was foggy, cloudy, and damp. Feeling achy, I reluctantly took my run to the retention pond and set out to do 4 miles. I wasn't planning on it, but I felt so great that I did 9:1 run/walk intervals instead of the usual 4:1. I was really pleased with my pacing on this run --after the slog in Alabama, it felt great to have some speed back in these legs. I hate to admit it, but maybe running in the cold isn't so bad after all.

A love filled run for Valentine's Day
Saturday's run was more of the same. I did the 9:1 intervals again. Somehow, I miscalculated my route and would have ended up with 4.5 miles instead of the planned 4. Oh, what the heck? I let my legs do the talking and took the long way home (see what I did there?). I finished up with a speedy 5 miles. My last mile was 8:44m/m. I did need to get to work after all. On Sunday, there was a fresh dusting of snow but the warm sunshine was making it all melt. I wanted to get out there and enjoy it. My legs still felt good and I breezed along for 6.2 miles. I like this recovery stuff.

Taking the long way home
CrossFit
On Thursday, I pulled into the parking lot at the CrossFit box and surprise! Steph pulled in behind me. Her work has really gotten busy and she's had trouble finding time to join me at the box. Sammy Jo had a great workout planned for us, with some back squats, chest presses, lat pulls, bosu balancing, and a partner activity where we passed a 25# medicine ball back and forth. These workouts never fail to put a smile on my face! Next week, I'll go back to twice weekly crosstraining with conditioning on one day and strength on the other.

That's 135#, y'all!
Randoms
Now that Mercedes is done, what's this runner to do next? I want to do another race in April and I'm torn between the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon in Springfield and the Wintrust Lakefront 10 miler in Chicago. I wanted to run that Lincoln half for the bling--it's usually a giant penny-- but this year they changed the medal to a copper-colored stovepipe hat. Seriously, is the bling a deal breaker for me? Am I that superficial?

Last week, I did my first ever Facebook Live video on Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate. I was a wreck but I think it went pretty well. Except that I couldn't get the camera angle right and I looked tired and old. I kept saying ummm... Actually, the experience wasn't as bad as I expected--it was kind of fun and yes, I'd do it again!

Look I saw at the grocery store this week! I've seen the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile before but never the Peanut Wagon! I asked if Mr Peanut was there but unfortunately, I missed him. Rats! I wanted to ask him about Planters Fasciitis....

Alas, no Mr Peanut

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A few weeks ago, Pjuractive 2 Skin anti-chafing gel reached out to me on Instagram to ask if I would be interested in trying their product. The victim of vicious chafing in the past, of course, I was interested! Pjuractive 2 skin is a silicone-based anti-chafing gel that provides a protective film on the skin. According to the company website, the gel penetrates the cells of the skin, eventually strengthening the skin. The gel is water and sweat-resistant, long lasting (they claim all day long), and invisible. According to the guy who contacted me, you can use it EVERYWHERE.

I have issues with chafing in friction-prone areas like my thighs and under my arms, but also in my undercarriage. I have been using products like Triple Paste and Calmoseptine to prevent rubbing in that area, but the issue with those is that they leave a white pasty residue on my tights. Ideally, I should have used Pjuractive 2 Skin for my race last weekend in Alabama, but the mantra "nothing new on race day" kept ringing in my ears. I have been using Pjuractive 2 Skin all week since I returned and I've had zero chafing in that most sensitive of areas. I like the gel--it's colorless and is easy to apply. There is no residue, and it rinses off easily in the shower.

How was your week? Tell me the truth: Hot and humid or cold and dry for your runs? Ever take the long way home on a run even when you have to get to work? Tell me something random from your week. 


Welcome to the Weekly Wrap! Holly and I host this weekly linkup for fitness bloggers. I'm not sure how many of you actually read this section but if you are not posting a recap of training or a race, this isn't the linkup for you. It's good karma to comment on both the hosts' posts and you get extra karma for commenting on other links. Even better: since the linkup is open until Wednesday, come back later in the week and give some of our later linkers a little love! Thanks for making the Weekly Wrap such a success. 






83 comments :

  1. I don't know which weather I would choose! I guess it would depend on how hot and how cold. haha!

    So, I know you go to Crossfit 2x a week. Do you workout with the whole class or do you have "personal training?" I miss being in the box and squatting and deadlifting, etc. I'm trying to figure all this out!!

    Something random... hmm.... I overheard my neighbor puking his guts out in his front yard the other night. I'm guessing there was too much bourbon involved. Yikes! Don't know how he did it but he still got up and went to work the next morning. Bet he felt like crap all day. haha

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    1. Haha! Love your random story. How'd you like to feel like that?

      I have a coach and pay for personal training at CrossFit. I don't think the classes would be as useful to me.

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  2. HaHa, your corny comment about your question for Mr. Peanut is right up my alley! I didn't even realize there was a Peanut Wagon... Let's see, something random from my week - I bought a Washington Nats toy baseball and scarf for my granddog, Pablo!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. Cocoa had a Chicago Cubs collar when she was a pup. You have to bring them up right!

      My nephew lives in the city and he told me the Weinermobile and the Peanut Wagon park right by his apartment. LOL!

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  3. In answer to your question, I'd take a cold run any day. All of my PRs were set in very cold temps. I am famous for adding one more mile which makes me late for work. The girls are used to my wet-haired ponytail. I'm supposed to try Pjuractive too but keep forgetting to order it. Thanks for the reminder. LOL -- Mr. Peanut should be the expert on PF.

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    1. I hated to admit it Holly, but my run in the cold sure felt good after that humidity we ran in last Sunday. Sigh. I've had a nice week of running here. What can I say?

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  4. Look at you with those seriously heavy weights! Nice job. I have not heard of that chafing gel but I do get chafing in the bra strap area sometimes. I will look for it. Have a great week!

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    1. I love the gel so far but I haven't put it to the test in humidity. That will be the final verdict.

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  5. Cold and dry for running...always...says the girl who's heading to Tampa for a multi-race sweatfest. A STOVEPIPE HAT???? Are you kidding? That is a deal breaker for me. I NEED THE PENNY!

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    1. I knew you'd say that! So I'm thinking we need to find a different race for April. I want the penny too!

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  6. Funny about the Peanut mobile and sorry Mr. Peanut was not there to answer your question!
    I enjoy running in the heat but there is no denying that my best runs have happened when its colder!

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    1. Same here--I do love summer heat but my best running is in the cold.

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  7. I would definitely take a cold and dry run over a hot and humid one! But if we get to be picky, I also need to say no wind! I've definitely run more than I should before work. Usually I make up the time getting ready, I just don't like feeling rushed!

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    1. The wind was really picking up today and it does slow me down! Yes, no wind.

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  8. something random...the guy from Pjuractive contacted me and I totally forgot to get back to him #oops. We had a short but intense snow fall yesterday (after I was done with my run)....and then int he afternoon the temps sky-rocketed to the mid 40's and melted most of it. Momma N is so whacked....

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  9. I don't like running in the cold OR heat & humidity. But I'll take cold over humidity any day. Although when it's hot & dry -- that makes a world of difference! I still shake my head over my PR in NOLA. But it gives me some hope for my summer races.

    Chafing is utterly random on me. I'm definitely prone to it, but I also go long periods of time without any.

    Every picture makes me look super tired lately. Oh wait, I AM super tired! I guess I need a filter for that. :)

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    1. So if you don't like the cold or the heat--tell me what you like to run in?

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  10. I just have to say that I always love seeing your bright outfits! Too many winter clothes are dark but yours are great!

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    1. Thank you! This INKnBURN has really injected some fun into these dark, cold winter runs! I'm loving their gear.

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  11. Cold and dry for sure! I'm not a fan of heat or humidity. Something random from this week...Tuesday was my birthday and I totally forgot to mention that in my weekly wrap lol!

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  12. Ouch! I'm not sure I can forgive you for that PF pun. ;-) I do love your valentine's day outfit. I understand your dilemma on the bling, but the new one sounds pretty unique at least. Although a lakefront 10M could be mighty windy.

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    1. I've run that lakefront 10 miler multiple times and yep, it's always a crap shoot. I need to consult with Marcia and Steph...

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  13. Gad the gel is working for you. The worst chafing I had was from the bottom of my sports bra on my torso. I didn't know it was there until I got in the shower!!! I used a little vaseline for a little while after that but it was really my husband's fault ---> he ran behind me in a race and kept switching sides which made me twist and turn A LOT looking for him. haha

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    1. I saw a guy wearing a gladiator-type costume at the Chicago Marathon one year. Later I passed him and the costume was off and his back was raw. I don't think any amount of anti-chafing gel would have prevented that!

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  14. I wanted to do my next race with a race that has bling since I have a new medal display. While I loved Bolder Boulder, it doesn't have bling, but Bay to Breakers does.

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    1. I never was one for the bling, but I guess my priorities are changing! I do love a nice medal after a half marathon, tho.

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  15. Cold and dry conditions any day. Humidity and I are not friends!

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    1. It's so embarrassing to admit how great the cooler weather felt when I got home from Alabama!

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  16. I love your variety of workouts this week.
    I also just received that anti chafing gel and I can't wait to try it!

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  17. There's nothing worse than chafing is there?? Glad you found something to provide a bit of relief!

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    1. Well, there probably are worse things than chafing, but yes, I'm glad to have found the gel!

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  18. Great week, Wendy! I've heard good things about that anti-chafing gel. I'll have to check it out when I get back to running more.

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  19. Much as I hate the cold I hate the humidity more. At least for running. I used to take the longer way home, but that was before I had a toddler. Now my mornings after I run are crazy and I need every minute I can get!

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    1. I remember those days--I always felt lucky to squeeze in any amount of mileage! But it's better than nothing, right?

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  20. Im not a runner but the hubby is and I think I will grab him the gel. Not a bad week and love you are driven from goal to goal.

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  21. Nice week post-half marathon! I definitely prefer running in the colder weather...heat and humidity kill me! Glad that you were able to do longer intervals!

    I use Body Glide and that has served me well but it's always interesting to see what other products are out there!

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    1. Body Glide has worked well pretty much everywhere. But not everywhere...

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  22. It was warm and very humid for my run this morning...I'm not ready for this kind of weather yet!! Give me the cold, even though it takes me twice as long to dress for it.

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    1. That's what I'm hearing from all my southern friends! I won't lie, it was nice to come home to my cold weather after last weekend's slogfest!

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  23. That peanut wagon looks awesome!! Sorry about having to deal with all those flu cases but well done on a great recovery week! Something random from my week? As my week was uneventful, I am going to cheat and tell you something from my husband's week - yesterday he went for a cycle (in the bush) and almost ran into a black mamba. From a distance he said he actually thought it was just a piece of black piping but when he realised what it was he almost fell off his bike and went cold. Quickly backtracked. Just writing this has given me the chills all over again! Shathiso @ www.thegaboronerunner.com

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    1. OMG! I've got the chills just reading this!I hate snakes but the snakes I see are harmless, the garden variety kind. You live in such a beautiful place but full of danger!

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  24. Cold for sure! I don't run well in the heat. I can handle some humidity, since that's normal weather in Seattle. A stovepipe hat is such a weird replacement for a medal!

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    1. I'm sorry to admit that I am disappointed in that medal. I really wanted the penny! LOL

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  25. cold and dry. LOVED your planter's joke :-D

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  26. sunshine makes me happy. So cold and sunny or warm and sunny but not humid. I am picky. Actually I am happy running anywhere but the treadmill.

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    1. I'm totally with you on that! Outdoors always trumps the mill!

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  27. I loved your picture in the snow wearing red and your heart hands! Glad you had such a fun race with Holly! Mercedes is on my list! I usually run better in the cold but last week it was humid and I ran much stronger! Go figure?

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  28. Anything but snow is how I prefer it! I actually have a question: how do you time your intervals?

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    1. I set my Garmin to alarm for the intervals. I have it set for 4 minute run intervals, 1 minute walk. If I want to do 9:1, I just skip every other interval.

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  29. I didn't think you looked tired and old at all. You looked pretty!

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  30. Wow. This is a great linkup! I'm not a runner (anymore) but I do love the stories.

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  31. Wow! It sounds like you had a really great week of runs and even starting appreciating the cold...a little bit :-) I'll tale too cold over too warm any day and it's always infinitely better when the sun is out!!
    Love the peanut mobile and the PF joke - hilarious :-) Looking forward to seeing which race will win out! You're lucky to have so many to chose from...

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    1. I had a whole new appreciation for my cold, crisp weather after that slogfest in Alabama!

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  32. Ha! Planters Fasciitis :-) I hear you on the bling... I was so disappointed the year the Houston Half did giant jack-o-lanterns as their bling, it was a let down after a hot and humid 13.1 miles.

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    1. I always say I don't care about the finisher medal, but apparently I do!

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  33. I think I'd rather cold and dry then hot and humid. Running in the humidity is the worst!

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  34. i have yet to do a Facebook live, but I did my first IG live a couple months ago for a campaign. It wasn't as bad as I expected!

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    1. And I haven't done an IG live yet! I guess I'll wait until a brand forces me to!

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  35. Running in the cold is better than hot and humid. Sounds like a good week of workouts! I've never seen a Planters Peanut wagon. Too bad you missed Mr. Peanut :)

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  36. OMG that peanut-mobile!!! That's crazy!

    To be honest, I have no idea what dry weather feels like! Even on our coldest days, we have some semblance of humidity here. The two times I've raced up north (Virginia Beach and Philly), it's been on very damp, humid days. I think I would love cold and dry. Just for a change.

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    1. I hated to admit it but I was pretty happy to come back to the cold...who am I?

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  37. Nice week! I'm better with cold and dry. Humidity sucks! I had my fair share when I was in Jersey. That planters mobile is funny. Love your joke about PF!

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  38. Great week of workouts- especially a recovery week! You always inspire me to mix it up!
    I hope you get some of this milder weather soon!
    The 10 miler looks cool! I need to find a race with a good medal!

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    1. I have to make a decision about April soon! So many races...so little time...

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  39. I’ve heard great things about the Lincoln Half. I can’t wait to hear what your final race decision is.

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  40. Wow! Sounds like a busy week!! I am always looking for the next best anti-chaffing agent, so will give that a try!!

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  41. Sounds like you had a couple really good runs this week! Interesting new anti-chafing product. I've just been using body glide and it's been fine up to half marathons but it seems like I need something longer lasting if I train for a full again.

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    1. I haven't put it to the full hot and humid run test yet--no opportunity but I definitely like it so far!

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  42. Okay the flu is pretty out of control! I have wondered how nurses and doctors stay healthy while working at the clinic. You must have an immune system of steel! I need to try that anti-chafing business. Hot, humid running + shorts can be a recipe for disaster, depending on which shorts I wear!

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    1. I really don't have a strong immune system, since I have RA and am on immunosuppressants! I wash my hands all the time. I get a flu shot every year. I take a probiotic.

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